THE WINE MASTERS: INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE ANNOUNCES ITS WINEMAKERS OF THE YEAR

The 31st International Wine Challenge names its Champion winemakers at prestigious Trophy Awards dinner

The 31th International Wine Challenge named its five Winemakers of the Year at its prestigious Trophy Awards dinner last night.

Three French winemakers were given this highest accolade in another fantastic year for France at the competition. Vincent Bartement from Burgundy-based La Chablisienne was named the IWC White Winemaker of the Year. La Chablisienne is one of France’s best co-operative wineries, with almost 300 winegrowers uniting to create world-class wines.

IWC Red Winemaker of the Year was awarded to Pierre Vincent from Domaine de La Vougeraie. Pierre has been chief winemaker at the award-winning vineyard in Burgundy since 2006, creating world-class wines using organic and biodynamic cultivation.

Thierry Roset from Charles Heidsieck received the IWC Sparkling Winemaker of the Year prize. Thierry Roset has worked for the prestigious Champagne House for over 25 years, and became Chef de Cave in 2012, taking over from Régis Camus.

IWC Sweet Winemaker of the Year was awarded to father and daughter duo Horst & Sandra Sauer from Weingut Horst Sauer. This family-run vineyard produces just 140,000 bottles (check this figure) each year, and its sweet wines were hugely popular with the judges. The vineyard picked up a flurry of Gold medals and Trophies at this year’s competition and its 2012 Escherndorfer Lump Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese was also awarded the Alois Kracher Trophy for Champion Sweet Wine of the Year.

Manuel Lozano from Spanish Sherry producer Emilio Lustau was named IWC Fortified Winemaker of the Year for the eighth time by the competition. The success of this world-class Sherry winery is largely due to the blending wizardry of Lozano, its cellarmaster.

Charles Metcalfe, Co-Chairman of the International Wine Challenge commented:

“These winemakers are truly masters of their fields. Taking very different approaches, each has displayed artistry and flair, and they have created some phenomenal wines. These talented winemakers have delivered consistently excellent wines which have been a pleasure to judge.”

The competition also awarded its Lifetime Achievement Award for 2014 to Charles Back. Third generation owner of South African based Fairview, Charles is a hugely influential figure in the country’s wine industry. He is also recognized for his commitment to social development within previously disadvantaged communities affiliated with the South African wine industry. In 1997 he also initiated the Fairvalley Workers Association that provides land ownership to Fairview workers and their families.

Charles Metcalfe continued:

“Charles Back has been a huge influence on the wine industry in South Africa and around the world. Not only does he consistently produce award-winning wines, his commitment to supporting his local community is laudable. He is a true star of the trade.”

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What is the International Wine Challenge?

In its 31st year, the International Wine Challenge is accepted as the world’s finest and most meticulously judged competition. The IWC assesses every wine ‘blind’ and judges each for its faithfulness to style, region and vintage. Each medal winning wine is tasted on at least three separate occasions by a minimum of 10 different judges including Masters of Wine. Awards include medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze) and Commended awards. The IWC is committed to helping consumers discover great wine, and the medals displayed on winning bottles offer a trusted guarantee of quality.

Visit the IWC website for the full list of winners

For more information please contact:
Manifest / IWC
Ali Maynard & Helen Kenny
t.0203 1379270
m.07712 877 972
/ Chris Ashton
t.07884 063405

All International Wine Challenge news can be found at our Digital Newsroom